Determined to Succeed

I started work for David Allen & Co in April 2002 when I was just 17. I actually applied for an Admin position but at the interview David mentioned a vacancy in the tax department which really sounded interesting, so that is where I started out.

At first I got involved in tax compliance work which involved completing clients’ tax returns and calculating any tax liabilities. I was really enjoying the work and started building up some good relationships with the clients I was dealing with. I knew that if I really wanted to get on and give clients appropriate and expert advice then I would need more qualifications.

I started studying towards the Association of Taxation Technicians qualification. There were 4 exams to take which covered Personal Tax, Business Tax, Accounting and Law. I passed all of these in May 2007 and decided to carry on and do the Chartered Tax training.

This was more intense and required more studying, but by July last year I had passed all the exams. I had to wait until I was presented with my certificate at the Guildhall in London, when I then became a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation and I am now a fully qualified Chartered Tax Adviser.

My new role at David Allen & Co is a Tax Consultant and I now have the expertise to give clients the quality advice they need. I also specialise in dealing with Tax Enquiry work which involves providing valuable guidance with enquiries to ensure we get the best possible results for our clients.

I am able to do the work I enjoy because David Allen & Co believed in me and I had the determination to succeed.

Sarah Reilly